Cylinder Heads

Preserve Engine Power with Cylinder Heads

Our team at Mike Barney Nissan recognizes that your vehicle's critical systems are your primary safeguard during every journey. Cylinder heads seal combustion chambers and house valves controlling engine breathing. We stock genuine Nissan cylinder heads engineered for your Altima and Versa engines. Aftermarket cylinder heads frequently use casting techniques that leave hidden flaws prone to early cracking.

Understanding Cylinder Head Function

Cylinder heads bolt to the engine block, sealing the tops of cylinders where fuel combustion occurs. They contain intake valves allowing air and fuel entry plus exhaust valves releasing burned gases. Internal coolant passages manage extreme combustion temperatures while maintaining structural strength. Spark plugs mount in specific positions for proper ignition timing. Camshafts often reside within the heads, operating valves at precise intervals. The mating surface between head and block must seal perfectly to maintain compression.

What Causes Cylinder Head Failure

Continuous thermal cycling from engine operation creates metal fatigue that eventually forms cracks. Extreme overheating from cooling system problems warps the flat sealing surface permanently. Corrosive coolant attacks internal passages, gradually weakening the metal structure. Generic aftermarket heads often lack proper metallurgical treatment, resulting in softer materials that fail sooner. Detonation from poor fuel quality physically damages cylinder head surfaces. Extended service eventually wears valve seats and guide bores beyond serviceable specifications.

When Cylinder Heads Require Service

White exhaust smoke indicates coolant entering combustion chambers through head cracks. Chronic overheating despite proper coolant levels suggests warped surfaces preventing good gasket sealing. Milky residue in the oil means coolant is mixing with lubricant through internal failures. Compression testing showing low readings across multiple cylinders often points to head problems. Most cylinder heads last the engine's lifetime but fail from overheating or neglected maintenance. Replacing damaged heads along with inspecting timing belts during major service ensures your engine operates smoothly and reliably for many years ahead.

Get out of the garage and back on the road in no time with genuine OEM parts from Mike Barney Nissan.